Who the scheme is for

Former members of HM Armed Forces (including  Reserve Forces).

Applicants and their businesses must be resident in the UK. Existing businesses seeking funding must have been trading for no more than two years.

Funded by a Treasury grant from the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills, the scheme is delivered by the Legion and experienced partners across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We welcome applications from Service leavers who have an injury, long-term health condition or a disability.

 

How it works

Shown below are the steps of the Be the Boss application process.

 

Step One - Business Start-up Training and Planning

You will be asked to complete an initial training programme with our partners Blue Orchid who will help us to evaluate your specific needs and will assist you in developing a robust business start-up or business growth plan.

 

Step Two - Application for Funding

After you have successfully completed your training, you will be asked to submit your business plan and financial forecast. Your business advisor or enterprise agency will confirm that the information submitted is accurate We will then invite you to submit a funding application.

 

Step Three - Financial Assessment

Your funding application will be assessed by our professional financial partners Business Finance North West (BBV). 

Step Four - Mentoring and Business Support

After receiving funding you will benefit from the mentoring programme along with periodic business health checks. The advice will be based upon the specific nature and scale of your business.

 

Apply for Be the Boss

You must be registered on Civvy Street and logged in to apply for Be the Boss.

 

Helpline

If you can't find what you need on the site please call us on the helpline 0800 678 5787 or email us at  betheboss@civvystreet.org

 

Client Testimonial

"After being left disappointed by major banks because of the current economic climate, Be the Boss made all the difference by helping to secure all the funding required to establish a training studio for my business. Simultaneously, Be the Boss has also offered a support scheme ensuring that I put together an efficient, effective and realistic business plan. A fantastic scheme that I will continue to work with."

Barry O'Connell, State of Mind Fitness (www.stateofmindfitness.co.uk)